World Museum

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, KANCHIPURAM

Address:
Curator, Government Museum,
44/117,M.M. Avenue,
Kanchipuram–631 501

Kanchipuram, one of the seven holy cities of India, is situated 75 km south-west of Chennai. It was the seat of both the Pallavas and the Cholas, and is the best place for studying South Indian antiquarian remains. Saivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Jainism have their influence here and justify behind their traces as distinct temples and monuments. The Sangam poet Kadiyalur Vuruthirnkannanar, In the Perumpanatrupadai has described Kanchipuram as a lotus bud surrounded by a circular fort. Several epigraphical records, inscriptions are available, which throw light on the history of ancient kings such as Pallavas, Cholas, Pandavas, Telugu Cholas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagar kings, Muslim and English rulers. As one more jewel to the crown of the city, the Kanchipuram Government Museum was dedicated to the public in 1999.

The Museum display archaeological, anthropological, geological, botanical, zoological and numismatic materials of importance. The Introductory Gallery display the photos of important monuments and places of interest found in the district along with a detailed map. Any visitor who visits the Museum can get a comprehensive picture of the historical and cultural aspects of Kanchipuram and also understand about the natural resources and life of the people.

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(Vishnu Stone Sculpture 17th Century AD)

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, KANNIYAKUMARI

Address: Curator, Government Museum,
Gandhi Mandabam Road,
Kanniyakumari- 629 702

The Museum was opened to the public in 1991.

Bronzes belonging to 15th Century AD such as Tirumangai Alwar, Manickavasakar, Rama, Nataraja and stone sculptures of 7th Century AD (Vishnu), East India Company coins, musical instruments, arms, tribal materials are the exhibits of special mention.

A good collection of marine exhibits and dioramic representation of Natural History specimens attract the visitors.

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(Rock with Jain Sculpture Aiwarmalai)

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, KARUR

Address:
Curator,
Government Museum,
Daily Market Complex,
Karur Bus Stand,
Karur – 639 001.

The Museum was opened to the public in 2000. The specimens include bronze items, metal-ware objects, musical instruments, coins, rocks and minerals, fossils, botanical specimens, molluscan shells, and other marine specimens.

The educational activities of this Museum include Guide service, popular lectures etc.

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Government Museum Chennai

District Museums

District Museums are multipurpose Museums like the Central Museum at Chennai. District Museums are established to preserve the cultural, artistic, natural and scientific objects for the benefit of the public. Twenty District Museums are functioning under the Department of Museums. The District Museums in addition to the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage, entertains the visiting public providing enjoyment and extend educational activities. Popular Lectures, Training Courses, Seminars, Competitions, Exhibitions, Research Guidance, Outreach Programmes, Organised Tours etc., are some of the educational activities of the District Museums.
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GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, COIMBATORE

Address:

Curator,
Government Museum,
Kaleeswarar Nagar, Kattur,
Coimbatore 641 009.

The Museum was established in 1990. The collection include objects of Archaeology, Anthropology, Numismatics, Art, Pre-history, Geology, Botany and Zoology. Of these the following exhibits merit special mention due to their rarity and uniqueness:

Mesolithic stone tools, calcimined bone remains of both animals, human beings acquired through scientific field exploration from Vannathankarai site near Thakkalur - Kamanayakkanpalayam via Avinashi.

Woodcarvings (18th Century AD.), acquired from the Avinashilingeshwarar temple cars as gift from the temple authorities concerned.

Bronze icons of Navaneetha Krishna (13th Century AD.); Hanuman with Vishnu features (18th Century AD.) and Chandrasekhara with folk elements (19th Contrary AD.) acquired through theTreasure-trove Act of 1878. (Stone Sculpture Mother
Goddess Seated on a Cattle 10th century AD.)

Stone sculptures of a mother goddess seated on a cattle (18th Century AD.), a hero fighting with a panther / tiger by means
of a muzzle loaded gun (16th Century AD.) and Daksha (wih ram head) worshipping Vishwarupa Veerabhadra (13th Century AD.), acquired as a treasure-trove find, scientific exploration and gifting respectively.

Inscribed stone slabs containing the details of commercial
guild of Veerarajendra Chola period, acquired through
scientific field exploration find place in this Museum. Stone
Sculpture Mother Goddess Seated on a Cattle 10th century AD.

Tribal artifacts of Irula, Kadar, Malagar and Muduvar
acquired through both scientifc field exploration and gifting.

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(Devi Bronze 14th Century AD.)

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM,CUDDALORE

Address:

Curator,
Government Museum,
19, Hospital Road,
Cuddalore – 607 001.

The Government Museum, Cuddalore was established in the year 1989. A Sculpture Garden in the Museum welcomes the visitors. In this sculputure garden Sivalinga, Nandhi, Vishnu, monkey scuptures, Narashima, Surya and Chandikeswara are displayed. The development of Tamil script, dinosaur model and a model of Kali sculpture made of Fibre glass are kept in the entrance of the building.

The stone sculptures like Subramanya, Surya, Navanitha
Krishna, Dakshinamurthi, Bhairava, Virabhadra, and
Saptamatrika sculptures are best examples to the sculptural wealth of our ancestors. Bronze images of Ganesa, Vishnu, Nataraja, Somaskanda, Krishna are displayed in the Bronze Gallery.

In the first floor Kattunaickkan Tribal materials, Stone
Age tools, Musical Instruments, Agricultural implements of Kalvarayan hill tribes are displayed.

Natural History specimens include South Indian Timbers,
Fibres, Swan, Bear, Lizard and Snakes. Wood fossils and Ammonite fossils are also on display.

This Museum collection represents history, culture, flora
and fauna of the district. Imparting knowledge to researchers, students and public through popular lectures, exhibitions
and training programmes form part of educational activities.

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GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, ERODE (Dakshinamurthi Erode District. 12th Century AD.)

Address:

Curator,
Government Museum,
Municipal Office Campus,
Erode – 638 001.

The Museum was opened to the public in 1987. The important exhibits are inscription of Kongu Chola, hero stones from Bargur, Tanjore paintings, manuscripts, coins, geological objects, Kodumanal antiques and other pre-history items. It has both botanical and zoological specimens also. The Museum is known for its collection of palm-leaf manuscripts and coins.